Battery not charging

M

magnum350

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
35
I have read several threads but want to post mine. I can charge my battery but yesterday it went dead at the dock. My gauge only reads 10 amps when running. Just bought the boat so I don't know how good the battery is. I will take it to have a load test on it but will that tell me if the alternator is ok? Thanks
 
r.j.dawg

r.j.dawg

Ensign
Joined
May 30, 2011
Messages
993
Re: Battery not charging

I think we might need a bit more information. What kind of boat? What engine? How many batteries? Plugged in to shore power? Battery charger on board? Accessories that might be left on (fish finder, GPS, stereo) Trolling motor battery?
 
mark1905

mark1905

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 25, 2008
Messages
535
Re: Battery not charging

1. Start boat either on trailer/muffs or at the dock.

2. Rev to 1600 rpm

3. Put red volt meter lead directly on charging post of alternator and black lead on the battery GND post

4. If it's not reading 14v +/-, you have a problem.
 
M

magnum350

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
35
Re: Battery not charging

1986 Celebrity Cuddy Cabin with 350 magnum mercruiser. Only had it out 3 times. Mostly to test run to get out the bugs. No trolling motor or even a radio on during the day. Single battery. This was the first time I had it on the lake all day. The amp gauge will not go above 10 even when running at 4500 rpms.
 
M

magnum350

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 25, 2012
Messages
35
Re: Battery not charging

Forgot I just trickle charge battery at home for 24 hours
 
etracer68

etracer68

Ensign
Joined
Oct 11, 2009
Messages
906
Re: Battery not charging

I havent seen a amp gauge in a boat or car in many years. Are you sure its a amp gauge, I would say its a volt gauge. And yes if volt gauge, it should read at least 13.5.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top